Introducing Atmos™ for Business – an innovative ecosystem for business travel that rewards companies and their employees

September 24, 2025
Loyalty
Alaska Airlines
16 min read

Right on the heels of the successful launch of Atmos™ Rewards, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are rolling out a new self-managed business travel program that will revolutionize how employees from small and mid-sized businesses travel across our global network. Atmos for Business is a new, convenient one-stop shop for companies and organizations with at least $5,000 in annual travel spend. With businesses and their employees in the Atmos for Business ecosystem, everyone wins – with generous points earning for both the business and traveler, a bonus path to Atmos status for the traveler and one point per dollar spent on flown tickets for your company.

Atmos for Business delivers a compelling proposition for both companies and their travelers. By combining robust loyalty rewards with a seamless booking experience, we’re making every business trip more meaningful—helping organizations grow and giving travelers the recognition and benefits they deserve. It’s travel that works harder for everyone, with connections across the West Coast and throughout our global network.

Brett Catlin

Vice president of loyalty, alliances and sales Alaska Airlines

Better benefits for businesses

When a business enrolls in the new tool, it is assigned a company Atmos Rewards loyalty number. Anytime a traveler associated with that business flies with Alaska or Hawaiian, the business earns one point for each $1 spent. The accrued points can be used by the company for future travel on Alaska, Hawaiian or more than 30 global

Beyond increased loyalty benefits for the business, Atmos for Business offers a seamless platform to make the booking process a breeze. The new tool offers:

A modernized flow – the booking flow closely mirrors alaskaair.com and the experience most travelers are already familiar with.
Easy invites – travel managers can invite travelers through a bulk upload, shareable link or email.
More payment options – accounts can house and dedicate them to individuals or groups.
Book according to teams – travelers can be grouped into teams, making it easier to book travel by department, office location and more.
Simple reporting – travel managers can monitor activity, and track travel and spending all in one spot.
A robust wallet – if a ticket is canceled, any unused funds can be added to a corporate wallet and then applied to future travel for anyone.
Dedicated support – a team of experts is trained and ready to assist Atmos for Business users, ensuring a high level of .
Unique benefits for intra-Hawai‘i travel – guests traveling within the state of Hawai‘i will receive two free checked bags and free standby travel to access an earlier flight on the same route.

Better benefits for travelers

If your job has you hitting the road, be sure you’re earning the most points possible with Atmos for Business.

Guests traveling for business can connect their personal Atmos Rewards loyalty number and earn points as they fly. As an added bonus, these travelers will also earn a 10% bonus of status points on top of their base earn on any ticket booked through Atmos for Business. Travelers just need an Atmos Rewards number of their own and can sign up at alaskaair.com/atmosrewards/enroll.

A credit card that works for your business

To complement a new Atmos for Business account, we are offering the new Atmos™ Rewards Visa® Business card. Perfect for business expenses, cardholder benefits include an annual $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23), after qualifying purchases, a free checked bag, preferred boarding and more. Every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases earns 3 Atmos Rewards points to be used on future travel. Learn more about everything the new card can do – and a limited-time offer of 80,000 points.

An ever-expanding network and premium experience

The combined global network of Alaska and Hawaiian offers access to hundreds of routes from our hubs along the West Coast and Hawai’i to more than 140 destinations, including global business centers like Tokyo, Seoul, Rome and London coming this spring. Whether you’re traveling in a suite on a new 787 Dreamliner or comfortable in Main Cabin, Alaska and Hawaiian just give you more. Industry-leading legroom, access to innovative meals and being cared for by our award-winning employees mean you can relax and enjoy the journey before you touch down and get to work.

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. We’ll serve Europe beginning in spring 2026. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska is a member of the oneworld alliance, with Hawaiian scheduled to join oneworld in spring 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem points for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations with Atmos Rewards. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

Alaska Airlines unveils bold Lounge expansion plans in San Diego

September 22, 2025
Guest Experience
Alaska Airlines
19 min read

Summary

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A 13,000 square foot Alaska Lounge will be one of the largest lounge spaces at San Diego International Airport.

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Construction is slated to begin in early 2027.

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The Lounge will serve guests traveling to at least 45 nonstop destinations on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines – the most of any carrier at SAN.

Alaska Airlines is enhancing our popular Lounge network with expansive, modern spaces designed to redefine how guests relax before takeoff. Our latest investment is coming to San Diego – a key, growing hub for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.

As part of a multi-billion-dollar investment in infrastructure across our network to provide a remarkable travel experience, the Alaska Lounge in San Diego will be one of the largest lounges offered by any carrier at the airport. Spanning over 13,000 square feet, we’re designing the Lounge to reflect San Diego’s vibrant local culture. The premium space will bring the best of our Lounges into a modern oasis – from our Signature Loungers for the ultimate comfort, private and quiet work areas, locally inspired refreshments and fresh local bites, a full bar featuring signature cocktails, and a barista station for handcrafted espresso beverages. Construction is slated to begin in early 2027.

Our Lounges are more than just a place for guests to wait for their next flight. They’re an extension of our signature hospitality and comfort that our guests experience each time they fly with us. With our new San Diego Lounge on the horizon, we’re shaping the future of travel with spaces designed to make travel feel seamless, elevated and welcoming.”

Todd Traynor-Corey

Vice president of guest products and experience, Alaska Airlines

The future Lounge is the latest investment in our growing San Diego hub. We’re proud to offer 45 nonstop destinations from San Diego, the most of any carrier and a distinction we’ve held for years. This year, we expanded travel options for Southern Californians by adding new nonstop service from San Diego to Phoenix, Denver, Chicago O’Hare, Reagan National in Washington D.C., Medford, Oregon, and Sun Valley, Idaho.

We are very pleased to see Alaska continue to grow at SAN. Providing an exceptional customer experience at our airport is at the heart of our purpose. Alaska’s new lounge will offer travelers an enhanced option for dining and relaxing while experiencing all that our airport offers.”

Kimberly Becker

President and CEO, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority

Discover Alaska Lounge program

First Class guests flying over 2,000 miles get complimentary access to all Alaska Lounges, while Lounge+ members enjoy access to every Alaska Lounge and nearly 90 partner lounges, like the American Airlines Admirals Club.

Together with Hawaiian Airlines, our combined network offers optimal connections. And through our oneworld alliance and global partners, guests enjoy seamless one-stop access to more than 330 destinations worldwide from San Diego International Airport.

Our investments extend beyond aviation in San Diego, including initiatives like career pathway programs at San Diego State University and sponsorship of the Miramar Air Show, honoring service members and veterans.

Explore the Alaska Lounge program

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines recognized as APEX Five Star Major Airlines

September 19, 2025
Awards Guest Experience
Alaska Airlines
17 min read

Summary



Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines were honored with the 2026 APEX Five Star Major Airline award, based on over a million verified passenger ratings across 600+ airlines.



This recognition reflects outstanding performance in key areas including seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage and inflight entertainment and connectivity.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have been recognized as 2026 APEX Five Star Major Airlines, thanks to the incredible support of our guests and the dedication of our teams.

The APEX Five Star Award is based on passenger feedback drawn from more than 1 million confirmation code-verified flight ratings across more than 600 airlines worldwide. Evaluated on a trusted five-star scale, the award reflects outstanding performance in key areas including seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage and inflight entertainment and connectivity.

Providing exceptional guest experiences guides everything we do. This award is a powerful testament to the dedication of our employees, whose unwavering focus on excellence and care continues to set us apart.”

Mark Krolick

Managing director of inflight products and experiences , Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines

HA Guest Service Agent assisting customers

This recognition comes at a pivotal time as we invest in elevated products, programs and partnerships across our combined network to help our guests travel more, go further and dream bigger. For example:

Atmos Rewards, our new combined loyalty program, brings together the best of Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines — offering more ways to earn and redeem across a global network, with more choice and more rewards.
Guests enjoy award-winning food and beverage offerings, including first class menus crafted by distinguished chefs across the Pacific Northwest and Hawaiʻi and regionally inspired libations — from coffee roasted in Portland to lagers and IPAs brewed on Maui.
In the years ahead, our guests can look forward to even more elevated experiences as we invest in upgrades across our Boeing 737 and Airbus A330 fleet, travel products and services.

As we soar into this next era of innovation, the APEX Five Star designation affirms what our most loyal guests have long known: flying with Alaska and Hawaiian is more than just travel — it’s a memorable journey shaped by care, quality and genuine hospitality.

Visit hawaiianairlines.com

Visit alaskaair.com

About Alaska Air Group

oneworld alliance, airlines and Breakthrough Energy Ventures launch investment fund to advance and commercialize Sustainable Aviation Fuel technologies

September 17, 2025
Sustainability
Alaska Airlines
25 min read

Summary

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Led by cornerstone investors Alaska Airlines, American Airlines; with IAG, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines from oneworld alliance, and Singapore Airlines as part of initial $150M fund close



oneworld BEV Fund aims to identify, enable and scale lower carbon jet fuel of the future to
support consumer demand, economic development, jobs and technology innovation

oneworld alliance and member airlines, in partnership with Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV), today announced the launch of a new investment fund designed to address the limited availability and high cost of today’s Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF). The fund, led by cornerstone investors Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, seeks to accelerate the global development of long-term aviation fuel solutions that are cost effective, scalable, and have lower emissions than conventional fuels.

The oneworld BEV Fund will:

invest in novel, next-generation Sustainable Aviation Fuel technologies
support the growth of alternative fuel markets to meet the long-term needs of the global aviation industry
create economic value for investors and regions around the world
drive technology innovation
develop a diverse and resilient SAF supply chain to meet future demand

By investing in the SAF technologies of the future, American and our oneworld partners are making a business decision to accelerate the development of novel technologies with the potential to reach larger scale at lower prices than current technologies can achieve. We believe reducing the emissions from our operation meets the demands of our customers, will make our business more competitive, and will enable us to continue to deliver the enormous economic benefits of commercial aviation for generations to come.”

Robert Isom

Chief executive officer at American Airlines, Chairman of oneworld

Alaska Airlines is excited to work alongside oneworld carriers to invest in innovative and cost-competitive SAF technology to drive the long-term energy transformation for our industry. In Breakthrough Energy Ventures, we have a partner with the scientific, technical and commercial expertise to make effective investment decisions that will create the market for next-generation fuels and power our industry in the years ahead.”

Ben Minicucci

Chief executive officer, Alaska Air Group

Investing in SAF with Breakthrough Energy Ventures is part of oneworld’s strategy to create a future of aviation that solves problems at scale and serves the needs of the greater aviation community. At oneworld, our member airlines are united in their long-term mission to address carbon emissions and invest in technologies that can improve speed to market of innovative fuels across the globe. By working together, we’ll be better positioned to create long-term solutions for the energy transformation of an industry that is vital to global economic growth.”

Nat Pieper

Chief executive officer, oneworld

BEV, Breakthrough Energy Venture’s capital fund founded by Bill Gates, will serve as the fund’s investment manager, bringing deep technical expertise, a rigorous diligence model, and extensive experience supporting the growth of early-stage climate technology companies. By leveraging its resources to support the energy transformation of one of the most challenging sectors for climate mitigation, BEV aims to advance fuel technologies that offer the greatest potential for tackling the sector’s emissions and securing long-term commercial success.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is essential to addressing the sector’s environmental impact and represents a major commercial opportunity. The oneworld BEV Fund is built to identify and scale breakthrough SAF technologies that can deliver real emissions reductions for jet fuel, compete with fossil-based fuels on cost, and integrate seamlessly with today’s aviation infrastructure. These are complex systems-level challenges that will take time to solve, and the fund is built with the long-term vision and staying power to help bring solutions to market.”

Eric Toone

Chief technology officer at Breakthrough Energy , Managing partner at Breakthrough Energy Ventures

The fund is also supported by oneworld alliance member airlines International Airlines Group (IAG), Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines. Recognizing the power of collective action, oneworld and Breakthrough Energy Ventures made an early decision to welcome non-alliance investors, including Singapore Airlines, which shares the alliance’s commitment to accelerating industry-wide progress in SAF.

“Sustainable Aviation Fuel is the most viable pathway for the aviation industry to progress to reach net zero. With our oneworld partners we have actively supported collective efforts on sustainability and today’s announcement further highlights the potential of collaboration, demonstrating how leading airlines can come together with the goal to accelerate action. To unlock SAF’s full potential, we are calling for supportive policy frameworks that help attract investment and enable the infrastructure needed to kickstart production.”

– Luis Gallego, chief executive officer, IAG

“As an airline with significant long-haul operations, scaling innovation to make SAF more accessible and cost-competitive is critical to Cathay Pacific’s future. This investment reflects our belief that only through collective action – across geographies and industries – can we build a resilient and scalable SAF ecosystem that delivers meaningful environmental progress and supports the future of our industry. And with Asia continuing to play a pivotal role in the global SAF ecosystem, we’re proud to help lead this momentum from the region.”

– Ronald Lam, chief executive officer, Cathay Group

“Relationships and connections with countries and regions around the world through air transportation are necessary for an island nation like Japan, thus we believe we have a mission to tackle the environmental impact of air transportation. Working towards this common mission for oneworld, we look forward to promoting technology and the use of SAF together with the member airlines, anticipating expansion into the Asian region in the future.”

– TOTTORI Mitsuko, president and representative director, Group CEO

“Our investment in this fund demonstrates Singapore Airlines’ strong support for developing and commercialising next generation Sustainable Aviation Fuels. Reducing the carbon emissions of jet fuel demands collective action across the entire aviation ecosystem, and such initiatives will drive innovation towards meaningful progress in this crucial energy transformation.”

– Ms Lee Wen Fen, chief sustainability officer, Singapore Airlines

The global aviation industry, which generates some $4.1 trillion in economic activity and supports 86.5 million jobs, currently accounts for approximately 2-3% of global carbon dioxide emissions, in addition to other environmental impacts. Airlines and manufacturers continue to invest in modern aircraft, engines and operational efficiencies. Demand for air travel is expected to rise in the coming decades, and SAF, which today can reduce lifecycle emissions of jet fuel by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, is a crucial tool for mitigating the industry’s environmental impact. While SAF can significantly decrease the carbon dioxide emissions from aircraft engines, the first-generation SAF in production today has come with challenges. The SAF industry has not yet attracted the investment required to scale production at competitive prices in line with market needs, and lifecycle environmental impact is a concern. oneworld and its partners are focused on supporting new technologies that can scale the availability of cost-competitive SAF, while minimizing other environmental impacts.

Visit alaskaair.com

About Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Breakthrough Energy Ventures is a purpose-built investment firm that partners with, launches, and scales global companies that are building an emissions-free global economy. We seek true breakthroughs and are committed to supporting these entrepreneurs and companies by bringing to bear a unique combination of technical, operational, market, and policy expertise. Backed by many of the world’s top business leaders, companies, and investors, Breakthrough Energy Ventures has raised more than $3.5 billion in committed capital and partnered with more than 110 groundbreaking companies. Breakthrough Energy Ventures is the venture capital arm of Breakthrough Energy, a global network of climate leaders committed to accelerating the world’s journey to a clean energy future. The organization funds breakthrough technologies, advocates for climate-smart policies, and mobilizes partners around the world to take effective action, accelerating progress at every stage. Visit Breakthrough Energy Ventures to learn more.

About oneworld

oneworld® is a global airline alliance bringing together 15 of the world’s leading airlines, committed to delivering the highest level of service and convenience to travellers. With a strong focus on innovative solutions, oneworld member airlines are working collectively to address their environmental impact and accelerate the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The alliance’s members serve nearly 1,000 destinations worldwide and include: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines.

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Cart stationed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

September 16, 2025
Community
Alaska Airlines
20 min read

Summary

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Alaska Airlines, in partnership with the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), unveiled a custom-designed Fallen Soldier Cart during a ceremonial hand-off to honor the nation’s military heroes on their final journey

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This marks the 18th cart created by Alaska Airlines maintenance employees, and the second cart for SEA, as part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to honoring fallen service members

Alaska Airlines, in partnership with the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), today unveiled a custom-designed Fallen Soldier Cart during a ceremonial hand-off to honor the nation’s military heroes on their final journey. This marks the 18th cart created by Alaska Airlines maintenance employees, and the second cart for SEA, as part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to honoring fallen service members.

The Fallen Soldier Cart is a solemn and dignified means of transporting the remains of deceased military personnel to and from aircraft. Available to all airlines operating at SEA, the cart serves as a powerful symbol of respect and remembrance for the sacrifices made by service members and their families.

It is our honor to have this Fallen Soldier Cart in our hometown and continue our commitment to our fallen military members. Our program is committed to ensuring every active, retired, or veteran military member, along with their families, receives the utmost care they deserve for their service and sacrifice. Our goal is to house a cart at every airport served by Alaska Airlines to pay tribute to every fallen service member in a respectful and dignified manner.”

Brian Bowden

Founder and Volunteer of the Alaska Airlines Fallen Soldier Program

This Seattle cart is dedicated in honor of Alaska Airlines COO Constance von Muehlen’s military unit, a recognition that came about through her connection to the program and the significance of honoring her service to community.

The SEA cart features a unique design that includes:

A metal art skyline of Seattle, featuring the Space Needle.
A plaque honoring the fallen military members of Eagle Flight Detachment, “C” Company, 6^th Battalion, 159^th Aviation Regiment, V Corps who lost their lives on April 14^th, 1994, in Northern Iraq.
The Washington State flag.
A blue-painted exterior with red carpet and American flag curtains.
Emblems representing all six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force.

A plaque was presented to the TSA Honor Guard in thanks for their collaboration and support for Alaska Airlines’ Fallen Solider Cart Program.

As a veteran and someone who has engaged with military families my entire career, I am proud of the respect that service members and their families receive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. I am particularly proud of the care and investment by our partners at Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air to ensure that a fallen soldier’s final journey is one marked by honor and remembrance.”

Steve Metruck

Port of Seattle Executive Director and retired U.S. Coast Guard Read Admiral

To commemorate the occasion, Alaska Airlines also displayed the aircraft livery, “Honoring Those Who Serve,” which serve as flying tributes to the bravery and dedication of military personnel.

Launched in May 2011 by Alaska Airlines employees, the Fallen Soldier Program follows military protocols to ensure the respectful handling of fallen service members. The program not only honors the deceased but also reinforces the airline’s enduring support for the military community.

A media kit containing photos and video from the dedication ceremony can be found here.

250915_SEA_CvM_Fallen Cart dedication_028

250915_SEA_CvM_Fallen Cart dedication_017

250915_SEA_CvM_Fallen Cart dedication_039

Visit alaskaair.com

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Air Group Announces Leadership Transition at Hawaiian Airlines and Executive Promotion at Alaska Airlines

September 10, 2025
Company
Alaska Airlines
23 min read

Summary

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Diana Birkett Rakow to be named CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, succeeding Joe Sprague who will retire this Fall after a distinguished career in aviation.

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Kyle Levine to be promoted to Executive Vice President, Corporate & Public Affairs, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary and assume responsibility for Public and Government Affairs.

Alaska Air Group today announced that Diana Birkett Rakow, senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability at Alaska Airlines, will become CEO of Hawaiian Airlines effective Oct. 29, succeeding Joe Sprague who will retire after a long career at Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and Hawaiian Airlines.

Birkett Rakow will be based in Honolulu, the company’s second largest hub after Seattle, and will be responsible for the long-term performance and advancement of the Hawaiian Airlines brand and Alaska Air Group’s business in Hawai‘i, supporting the company’s guests and over 6,600 employees across the Islands. She will continue to report to Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group, and remain on the company’s Executive Committee. Birkett Rakow’s role will also continue to include oversight of company-wide sustainability and venture investment strategies.

Hawai‘i and the Hawaiian Airlines brand are critical to Alaska Air Group’s future and key to our vision of connecting the world to a remarkable travel experience rooted in safety, care and performance. Diana has proven herself over an established career as a leader who builds strong teams, delivers results and cares deeply about people and culture. She will be a tireless advocate for the Hawaiian Airlines brand and for Hawai‘i, and I’m confident she will lead with authenticity and vision.

Ben Minicucci

CEO, Alaska Air Group

“I’m deeply grateful to Joe for his tremendous contributions to Alaska Air Group over the past 25 years. Joe has served Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, and most recently Hawaiian Airlines, by prioritizing culture and creating deep connections with employees and communities, while driving results” added Minicucci. “All those who know Joe, know that he is all-in for the people and purpose of Air Group – and I especially appreciate how he has brought that spirit to his time in Hawai‘i, ensuring that Hawaiian Airlines – its people and its brand – is set up as a strong and enduring part of our team and company.”

During her eight years at Alaska, Birkett Rakow has led the company’s sustainability and corporate impact efforts, government affairs, communications, community and cultural relations, sales and customer engagement in Hawai‘i and Alaska, and the airline’s venture investment arm, Alaska Star Ventures. Over the last year, she has also served on the board of Hawaiian Airlines. Prior to joining Alaska, she held senior executive roles at Group Health and Kaiser Permanente, and earlier in her career was a health policy advisor for the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. Birkett Rakow holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Harvard University and master’s degrees in public health and public administration from the University of Washington. She is actively engaged in her community as a board director for Puget Sound Energy and serves on several international councils to advance sustainability and clean energy.

Over the last year, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines teams have worked together to build and execute the plan to become a single mainline operating carrier under a single operating certificate (SOC) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is anticipated later this fall. As the company moves forward as one team with two beloved brands, we have also taken big steps to deliver on our vision – announcing new routes that enable our customers to travel to new regions of the world on our airlines, launching a new combined loyalty program, Atmos™ Rewards, with enhanced benefits, and making investments in the guest experience across our fleet and airport spaces. 

Sprague, who has been responsible for leading all aspects of Hawaiian Airlines’ operations from deal close though SOC, will remain engaged through the transition to ensure continuity and support for employees and guests. Sprague started with Alaska over 25 years ago and held several executive positions at the airline before becoming president of regional subsidiary Horizon Air in 2019. He became CEO of Hawaiian Airlines when the combination with Alaska was made official in September 2024. He will also remain a member of the Hawaiian Airlines board.

It has been an honor to serve Hawaiian Airlines and its incredible team. We accomplished a lot together over the past year and, with a single operating certificate imminent, we are at a natural transition point. Diana is the right person to guide Hawaiian Airlines into a new chapter.”

Joe Sprague

CEO, Hawaiian Airlines

In a related move, Kyle Levine, currently Alaska Air Group’s senior vice president, legal, general counsel and corporate secretary, will be promoted to executive vice president, corporate and public affairs, chief legal officer and corporate secretary. In this role, Levine will assume responsibility for public and government affairs, including the company’s corporate philanthropy and sales and community marketing for the state of Alaska, in addition to his current responsibilities overseeing legal, compliance and corporate governance functions. Levine has held the chief legal post for 10 years and led the legal functions for the Virgin American and Hawaiian Airlines acquisitions. He also serves on the Executive Committee and has held various legal roles within Air Group since joining the company in 2006.

“Kyle’s deep commitment to our values makes him a fitting leader to support the important efforts of our public and government affairs teams, and to ensure that our company remains deeply connected to local communities and key stakeholders,” said Minicucci. “His thoughtful leadership and deep understanding of our business make him a vital part of our executive team.”

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. We’ll serve Europe beginning in spring 2026. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska is a member of oneworld, with Hawaiian scheduled to join the alliance in spring 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem points for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations with Atmos™ Rewards. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

Visit hawaiianairlines.com

Visit alaskairlines.com

About Alaska Air Group

Set your sights on Seoul! Alaska Airlines launches new nonstop service from Seattle with limited-time deals

September 10, 2025
Destinations
Alaska Airlines
19 min read

Eunpyeong Hanok Village, Korean traditional house in Seoul, Kore

Summary

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Flyers can take advantage of a Buy One, Get One offer when buying Seattle-Seoul Incheon tickets, or book reduced award redemptions as low as 20,000 points one-way

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New route begins Sept. 12 on Hawaiian Airlines’ Dreamliner, marking the first 787-9 international service for Alaska Air Group from our expanding global gateway in Seattle

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Atmos™ Rewards members earn points and status points when purchasing travel for the miles flown, and even award redemptions earn status points for the distance traveled

We’re calling it now: Seoul is an ‘it’ destination worthy of exploring. Alaska Airlines is ready to take you there with new nonstop service between Seattle and Seoul Incheon on Hawaiian Airlines’ long-haul 787-9 aircraft beginning Sept. 12. To celebrate our inaugural flight, we’re offering limited-time deals for the next three days for travel through Dec. 15: Guests can choose a BOGO offer when buying tickets or book an award redemption for as low as 20,000 points one-way.

For the Buy One, Get One (BOGO) offer, when you purchase one economy fare on the Seattle-Seoul Incheon route, you can buy your travel companion’s ticket for only the taxes and fees. If you’d rather use your Atmos™ Rewards points, you can take advantage of special promotional award redemptions that also offer tremendous value for only 20,000 points one-way in the main cabin, or 40,000 points roundtrip. Tickets must be purchased or award travel booked by Friday, Sept. 12, at alaskaair.com for travel between Sept. 12 and Dec. 15, 2025. Learn more details here.

For the BOGO offer, both travelers will earn Atmos Rewards points and status points on the tickets purchased. Atmos Rewards is the newly reimagined loyalty program for Alaska and Hawaiian. If you’re flying on an award ticket that you booked with points (formally known as miles), you’ll earn one status point for every mile you fly. It’s about 5,200 miles from Seattle to Seoul one-way, so you’d earn 5,200 status points – putting you that much closer to status with us. (As a reminder: Points are used for various redemptions, and status points track progress toward reaching status and milestones.)

The new transpacific route marks a significant milestone in Alaska’s transformation of our hometown hub in Seattle into the West Coast’s premier global gateway. The Seattle-Seoul Incheon flight will operate five times a week, linking families, friends and businesses in the Pacific Northwest to South Korea’s capital city.

From dozens of destinations across our robust network, guests can connect through our global gateway in Seattle for convenient nonstop service to Seoul Incheon – an important business market and one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. From Seoul, flyers can catch flights to additional Asian destinations with our global partners.”

Kirsten Amrine

Vice President of Revenue Management and Network Planning, Alaska Airlines

This is the 787 Dreamliner’s first international route from Seattle for Alaska Air Group. It has long-range capability, superior fuel efficiency and next-generation technology. The aircraft features 34 enclosed Business Class suites with industry-leading lie-flat seats, privacy doors, 18” HD monitors and wireless charging. Next year, we’ll install ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi in our 787s.

The new service between Seattle and Seoul Incheon begins just before the start of Chuseok, also known as Korean Thanksgiving Day – one of the nation’s most important and festive holidays. It takes place in early October this year, allowing travelers to visit with family and friends in South Korea with our award-winning service and hospitality.

Route details (all times local)

City Pair	Departure	Arrival	Frequency	Aircraft
Seattle – Seoul Incheon	2:50 p.m.	6:35 p.m. +1	W, Th, F, Sa, Su	787-9
Seoul Incheon – Seattle	8:35 p.m.	2:45 p.m.	M, Th, F, Sa, Su	787-9

In addition to Dreamliner service between Seattle and Seoul-Incheon, we’ll begin flying the 787-9 on the existing Seattle-Tokyo Narita route starting on Jan. 6, 2026, and on new flights from Seattle to London and Rome next spring. Alaska’s Seattle hub is the largest airline hub on the West Coast, serving 104 nonstop destinations across North America for convenient travel options and connections.

To support Alaska’s transformation, we’re establishing a 787-9 hub in Seattle that will deploy as many as 17 787s across our global network. In addition to our existing 737 pilot base, we will open a new pilot base to support 787 operations beginning next spring. By 2030, we plan to serve 12 intercontinental destinations from Seattle. We currently have four Dreamliners in the fleet.

Atmos Rewards is our evolved loyalty program that unifies Alaska’s Mileage Plan and Hawaiian’s HawaiianMiles into a combined platform to deliver more choice, more rewards and more global access than ever before to our members. Atmos Rewards offers new ways to earn valuable points across an extensive worldwide network spanning over 1,000 destinations, connected by the strength of Alaska, Hawaiian and more than 30 global airline partners, including the oneworld alliance. Learn more about Atmos Rewards.

Visit alaskaair.com

About Alaska Air Group

Hawaiian Airlines and Honolulu Community College initiate aviation tech development program

September 8, 2025
Company
Hawaiian Airlines
16 min read

Summary

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Canadian Aviation Electronics Ltd. projects a global need for 416,000 new aviation maintenance technicians by 2034.

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In September, Hawaiian Airlines and Honolulu Community College will address that need by expanding their workforce development partnership, launching the Maintenance Technician Development Program (MTDP), a new initiative to train the next generation of aviation maintenance technicians.

Hawaiian Airlines and Honolulu Community College are expanding their workforce development partnership with the September launch of the Maintenance Technician Development Program (MTDP), a new initiative to train the next generation of aviation maintenance technicians.

The need is urgent. Canadian Aviation Electronics Ltd. projects a global need for 416,000 new aviation maintenance technicians by 2034, which highlights Honolulu CC’s critical role in preparing local talent for high-demand careers.

Financial support, mentorship, job opportunities

Aspiring aircraft technicians enrolled in Honolulu CC’s Aeronautics Maintenance Technology Program (AERO) who are accepted into MTDP will receive a $10,500 stipend and up to $1,800 reimbursement for airframe and powerplant certificate exam fees. Students will also gain mentorship from Hawaiian Airlines mechanics, and program graduates will receive a contingent job offer with the airline.

“When I saw this opportunity come up, I was like, this could really help me a lot and I could really use this and it can really benefit me greatly,” said AERO student Diego Serrano, who will graduate in May.

AERO student Neil Patrick Nuevo added, “I work two jobs and go to school at the same time so it’ll be really helpful, just so I don’t have to worry much about working the other jobs and focus more on school.”

Building on our existing partnership

The MTDP builds on the competitive Aircraft Mechanic Apprenticeship Program (AMAP), launched in 2016 by Honolulu CC and Hawaiian Airlines, which allows students to take classes while gaining hands-on experience in the airline’s maintenance hangar. Hawaiian Airlines currently employs about 570 mechanics, including more than 50 AMAP graduates.

We are excited to create more local jobs to support our growing operations across Hawaiʻi and beyond as we expand our global reach with Alaska Airlines. We are grateful to build on our longstanding partnership with Honolulu Community College to support Hawaiʻi students interested in becoming aviation maintenance technicians and considering a career with Hawaiian Airlines right here in the islands.”

Beau Tatsumura

Hawaiʻi Managing Director of International and Heavy Maintenance, Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines

Through this partnership with Hawaiian Airlines, we are providing our students with an unparalleled pathway to a rewarding career, ensuring our graduates are not only highly trained but also have a direct route to becoming the next generation of aviation professionals serving our local communities and beyond.”

Karen C. Lee

Chancellor , Honolulu Community College

Visit hawaiianairlines.com

About Alaska Air Group

From the shortest hop to the longest journey, Alaska Airlines’ 737s go the distance

September 5, 2025
Destinations
Alaska Airlines
14 min read

Summary



Alaska Airlines’ 737s do it all — from a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it 11-minute hop in Southeast Alaska to a more than seven-hour flight to Iceland starting next May.

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The fleet demonstrates unmatched versatility and flies both the shortest and longest 737 routes operated by a U.S. carrier.

Our Boeing 737s cover a wide range of terrain and distances. From the rugged coastlines of Alaska to the volcanic terrain of Iceland (coming May 2026), these aircraft are reliable workhorses built to get our guests where they need to go safely and comfortably, no matter the trek.

A testament to the versatility of our network and fleet, Alaska Airlines proudly holds the record for operating both the shortest and longest 737 flights by a U.S. carrier.

If you’ve ever flown through Southeast Alaska, it’s possible you’ve experienced the shortest hop. Petersburg to Wrangell is a mid-point connection on our iconic Milk Run, covering just 31 miles and clocking in at about 11 minutes in the air — just enough time to settle into your seat before the captain begins the aircraft’s descent.

The Milk Run is a quirky yet vital series of short flights that are a lifeline for remote Alaskan communities not connected by roads and rely on our service for access to food, medical care and supplies. The Milk Run is also a must-do experience for aviation enthusiasts who appreciate the rhythm of small-town Alaska living and want bragging rights of having flown one of the six multi-stop routes.

An Alaska Airlines 737 takes off in Cordova, Alaska.

While our 737s handle these quick hops with ease, they’re also gearing up for something much bigger. Starting May 28, we’re launching nonstop seasonal service between Seattle and Reykjavík, Iceland — the longest nonstop 737 flight operated by a U.S. carrier. The daily flight will cover just over 3,600 miles, ranging from the Pacific Northwest to the edge of the Arctic Circle, and will take approximately seven hours and 25 minutes. To make our Iceland flights even more enjoyable, we’re offering free Wi-Fi as a special perk for the route.

Whether you’re flying the Milk Run or off to your next international adventure, we’re proud to serve communities big and small – delivering safe, remarkable travel experiences through the global reach of our network and the personal care of a hometown airline.

Visit alaskair.com

Iceland is calling: Alaska Airlines launches new route to Reykjavík and unveils elevated comfort and care across 737 fleet

September 4, 2025
Destinations Guest Experience
Alaska Airlines
40 min read

Summary



Guests can now book nonstop travel to Reykjavík, Iceland and look forward to Alaska’s signature hospitality and the added bonus of complimentary Wi-Fi on every journey to the Land of Fire and Ice.



Building on our award-winning reputation, we’re debuting a suite of new onboard enhancements across our 737 fleet, including a refreshed First Class dining experience and our first-ever complimentary Premium Class Snack Basket offered on flights over 670 miles.



We’re excited to share that our expanded partnership with Icelandair will offer guests elite access and greater connections across Europe.

Alaska Airlines is taking its global reach further than ever with nonstop service to Reykjavík, Iceland, inviting travelers to book their next adventure at alaskaair.com. With flights starting May 28, 2026, guests can book today to discover Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, with daily summer flights from our global gateway in Seattle, all while enjoying an elevated travel experience thoughtfully upgraded from curb to cabin.

The addition of Reykjavík expands Alaska’s global footprint, connecting our guests with even more of the world through the elevated service they know and love. We’re excited to launch our new nonstop route next summer, bringing travelers closer to the natural magic of Iceland and providing a seamless gateway to Europe.”

Kirsten Amrine

Vice president of revenue management and network planning, Alaska Airlines

The new summer service to Reykjavík is complemented by Icelandair’s more than 35 daily departures from the country’s capital to Europe, making it easier than ever for guests to continue their journey across the continent. We’re excited to offer greater convenience, flexibility and a smoother travel experience with Alaska’s new and enhanced bilateral codeshare agreement with Icelandair, enabling guests to book itineraries that combine flights from both airlines under a single ticket. This milestone comes as Alaska and Icelandair celebrate 10 years of partnership.

And now, guests traveling in First Class or as Atmos™ Rewards Gold, Platinum or Titanium elites will also have access to Icelandair’s Saga Lounge at Keflavík International Airport, making connections comfortable and convenient. Together with Icelandair and our oneworld and additional global airline partners, exploring the world is seamless with convenient connections and the ability to earn and redeem loyalty rewards across partner airlines. Every Iceland flight includes complimentary Wi-Fi – a special perk just for this route – along with premium pillows and blankets, so guests can stay connected and comfortable from take off to touchdown.

The expansion of our longstanding partnership with Alaska Airlines reinforces our commitment to providing seamless travel options for our customers. By combining Icelandair’s comprehensive network of around 60 destinations across the North Atlantic with Alaska’s strong presence along the U.S. West Coast, we are creating even more opportunities for convenient and flexible connections between North America and Europe for our customers. This collaboration reflects our shared dedication to service excellence and delivering a superior travel experience.”

Bogi Nils Bogason

President and chief executive officer, Icelandair

And for travelers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Iceland will also be one of the best places on earth to witness the 2026 solar eclipse — made even more accessible with Alaska’s new nonstop flights.

Our new nonstop route to Reykjavík:

Route	Start of service	End of service	Frequency
SEA to KEF	May 28	Sept. 7	Daily
KEF to SEA	May 29	Sept. 8	Daily

An elevated way to fly throughout your journey with Alaska

Guests on nonstop flights to Reykjavík and across our network will immediately notice Alaska’s upgraded onboard offerings as we continue investing in the 737 experience. These enhancements support Alaska’s evolution as a premium global carrier: growing faster, flying farther and delivering the elevated experience guests already know and love.

First Class just got better

Dining in First Class is getting a new, elevated look. This month we’re debuting a modern serveware collection inspired by the Pacific Northwest, designed to bring a new level of style and sophistication to the onboard experience.

The bespoke collection features a refined entrée plate, elongated platter for chef-inspired presentations, textured stoneware bowl to hold hearty courses and a contemporary mug crafted for comfort in hand. Our new custom flatware set, featuring a brass-tone knife, fork and spoon with clean lines and a polished finish, adds modern sophistication to every meal. Complementing these are versatile side dishes, a brass-accent bowl for small bites and a sleek tray that ties the setting together.

Many of the pieces were designed in partnership with Buzz, a global design company known for shaping signature travel moments.

Each item blends durability with style at 35,000 feet. Neutral tones and subtle textures showcase the food, while modern design details bring warmth to the table. Together, they signal a new chapter in Alaska’s commitment to elevating First Class dining. The new collection begins rolling out Sept. 24 across all flights.

Expanded First Class menu

We’re taking our First Class cuisine to new heights across our narrowbody fleet with even more elevated menu concepts, like our new Tahini Roasted Carrots with Green Goddess Yogurt Sauce and Citrus & Fennel with Chili Glaze – both made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Alaska continues to offer guests more meal options than any other U.S. airline, with up to five menu choices on select flights, including vegan and gluten-free meals.

Our newest menu launches on Sept. 24, including the JUST Egg Scramble, Spanish Carnitas Egg Scramble, and Brown Butter Pancakes for breakfast, or Moroccan Beef and Chili Shrimp with Black Rice for lunch and dinner.

Premium Class gets an upgrade

For the first time ever, Premium Class guests on select long-haul flights — who already enjoy more legroom, complimentary drinks, and priority boarding — will be able to choose from a specially curated snack basket.

Our new Premium Snack Basket features high-quality ingredient snacks, sourced primarily from West Coast partners, including Solely, a San Diego-based clean foods company. Guests can also choose from new onboard products such as Jackson’s Kettle Cooked Chips, Thinsters chocolate chip cookies, Wonderful Pistachios and Hippeas Groovy White Cheddar Puffs. The Premium Snack Basket will be offered starting in mid- to end of December, on select flights over 2,100 miles as part of Alaska’s premium travel experience.

We’ll continue to serve guest favorites — Stellar Snacks Pretzels and Biscoff cookies — as part of our complimentary snack and beverage service in the Main Cabin.

Upgrades for a consistent, modern experience

We’re investing in a fleetwide interior upgrade to create a more modern, more comfortable and more consistent onboard experience, including on our new route to Reykjavík, operated with the long-range 737-8 MAX.

Alaska is refreshing nearly all 737 aircraft with updated bulkheads, cabin dividers, new leather seats, carpets, device holders and reserved overhead bin space for guests in our First Class & Premium Class cabins. On our 737-9 MAX and 737-900ER, Premium Class will grow from 24 to 30 seats, giving more guests access to extra legroom. Our 737-800 and 737-8 MAX will see First Class grow from 12 to 16 seats; guests will also enjoy more conveniently positioned power outlets and new USB-C charging ports for added comfort.

Enhanced loyalty and connectivity

Atmos™ Rewards, Alaska’s upgraded loyalty program unifying the best of Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles, will provide members with more rewards, choice and global access than ever. Starting next year, Atmos Rewards members will enjoy free Wi-Fi thanks to T-Mobile on select flights as we begin to roll out ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi, with full fleet implementation by 2027.

For the first time ever, we’re offering Lounge passes to our credit cardholders. Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® cardholders can rest and recover before they take off with eight passes each year to any of the Alaska Lounges in our network – a value of over $500. Each pass is valid for your entire travel day, so you can access multiple lounges along your journey and includes entry for up to two accompanying children.

For existing Alaska Lounge members, these passes can be shared with family and friends. Through 2026, cardholders visiting our Lounges will enjoy an all-new premium bar experience, including our featured cocktails and exclusive curations.

Each visit includes a complimentary drink, whether it’s our Summit Sunset cocktail or any selection from the new mixologist-curated bar menu.

Plus, the co-branded premium credit card with Bank of America also allows members to earn 1 status point for every $2 spent, helping them reach rewards faster. And in 2027, Alaska will open a new international Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport — bigger, bolder and built to match our global growth. Learn how to become an Alaska Lounge member.

We also recently announced new daily, year-round service to London and will begin nonstop flights to Seoul Incheon on Sept. 12. These international destinations join our recently launched route to Tokyo-Narita, which began in May, and Rome, which is set to begin next spring. As Alaska expands into Europe and Asia from Seattle, guests can look forward to a new global travel experience, reflecting the airline’s vision for international growth and commitment to connecting the Pacific Northwest to destinations worldwide.

Download the press kit

Visit alaskair.com

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, with McGee Air Services a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. We’ll serve new destinations in Europe beginning in spring 2026: Rome, London and Reykjavik, Iceland. Alaska is a member of the oneworld alliance with Hawaiian scheduled to join in 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem points for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines volunteers help grow trees for Maui wildfire survivors

September 3, 2025
Community Sustainability
Hawaiian Airlines
17 min read

Summary

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Twenty employees across Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines this week joined hands to pot more than 80 trees at Kahului Airport grow hub.

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To further support the initiative, Hawaiian Airlines provided an additional $30K donation to Treecovery Hawai‘i.

As visitors to Maui step outside Kahului Airport to begin their vacation, they’ll be greeted by hundreds of potted trees lining courtyards, baggage claim and walkways. The young mango, plumeria, ʻulu, puakenikeni and dozens of other plant varieties are part of a large initiative to revegetate properties in Lahaina, Kula and other neighborhoods that were devasted by the 2023 wildfires.

This week, 20 Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines volunteers potted 80 more trees that are now lining the lawn outside the airport’s TSA checkpoint. Hawaiian Airlines also announced a new $30,000 donation to Treecovery Hawai‘i, adding to its previous $50,000 foundation grant to the Maui nonprofit behind the tree-growing effort on the Valley Isle. Once matured, trees will be transported and gifted to families and businesses impacted by fires that destroyed over 20,000 trees in Lahaina and 300 acres in Kula.

Treecovery Hawai‘i was formed in November 2023 to address the loss of rare trees in Lahaina, including a historic Banyan tree that is recovering after being severely damaged.

We were receiving calls about the rare and important trees in the burn zone of Lāhainā. It began the Banyan tree recovery program, then we saw a need for the people and Treecovery was born. We have 8,000 trees potted up growing in these 28 grow hubs with the goal of growing 30,000 trees for free. Our long-term goal is to grow trees for future generations across Maui Nui – that includes native trees, shade trees and fruit bearing trees to provide food security while at the same time creating jobs on Maui.”

Matthew Murasko

Co-founder, Treecovery Hawaiʻi

Kahului Airport is among the latest of 28 grow hubs Treecovery has sprouted from Hāna to Kapalua, half of which were created in partnership with resorts. Treecovery also has an operation in Kapalua that serves as a grow hub, educational space for kamaʻāina, and a site to host corporate groups that want to help pot trees, and a farm within the 25-acre Hua Momona Farms and Foundation to support residents facing food insecurity. Additionally, the group works with the Lahaina Restoration Foundation and Moku‘ula and Mokuhinia to provide native Hawaiian trees at all the historic locations in Lahaina.

To raise funds, Treecovery accepts donations and has partnered with artists, including Dale Zarella, who is carving burned logs, and ukulele-maker Steve Grimes, with half of sales proceeds benefiting the nonprofit.

The need for trees is growing as communities rebuild. As of last week, 55 new homes have been completed, with 486 building permits issued and hundreds more being processed by the county, according to Maui Recovery. Treecovery recommends planting trees once projects are finished, and Murasako said trees have been delivered to 20 homes so far. Residents are encouraged to apply to receive trees. They can also request native Hawaiian trees managed by the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College School of Agriculture.

Learn more about how we invest in Hawaiʻi

About Alaska Air Group

Satisfy your Neighbor Island cravings with a Huaka‘i by Hawaiian day trip

September 3, 2025
Loyalty
Melissa Chang
33 min read

Summary



Hawaiʻi-based food blogger and Huakaʻi by Hawaiian member Melissa Chang took a day-trip to Maui on Hawaiian Airlines to explore the island’s local flavors, including her go-to plate lunch and a popular spot for shave ice.

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Huaka‘i, which refers to a journey with purpose, is our way of saying mahalo for making us Hawaiʻi’s airline for over 95 years. Membership is free and offers kamaʻāina (residents) exclusive travel perks, including a free checked bag between the islands.

Kamaʻāina (Hawaiʻi residents) love taking day trips to the Neighbor Islands to visit friends and eat at places they don’t always get to enjoy. Now, with Huakaʻi by Hawaiian, traveling to your favorite local destination is easier than ever.

Huakaʻi by Hawaiian is a free program for Hawaiʻi residents that offers exclusive travel deals and perks. Every three months, members like me are emailed a code for 10% off one Neighbor Island booking, on top of network-wide discounts. (Even better, Hawaiian Airlines^® World Elite Mastercard^® cardmembers receive 20% off one booking per quarter.) If all your travel buddies and ʻohana (family) are members, you can save money and invest in making memories by taking fun island getaways throughout the year.

Huakaʻi by Hawaiian members also get one free checked bag on Neighbor Island trips. You can use that benefit to check surfboards of golf equipment, or, in my case, bring home some omiyage.

Using my membership, I took a foodie trip to Maui earlier this summer to meet with friends and get my fill of some of my favorite spots. Especially since the fires, I always try to support Maui businesses and spotlight some of the best local spots (especially hidden gems many people may not know of) on my social media channels. I also needed to bring gifts home to Oʻahu for my friends, who had no problem handing me their Maui wish lists.

Here’s a look at a delicious day on the Valley Isle that you can try on your own.

Start your day with breakfast or brunch at SixtyTwo Marcket in Wailuku, just 10 minutes from Kahului airport. It’s easy to get in on weekdays, but reservations are essential for the weekends.

Be sure to get their signature short rib benedict or loco moco, using Maui Cattle beef.

Just around the corner, you can walk to Four Sisters Bakery for an assorted box of their famous butter rolls, cinnamon rolls, malasadas and other pastries so you can have delicious snacks while you drive around.

As you head out to explore, stop at Sam Sato’s, the famous Wailuku saimin shop. You may be too full for noodles, but you can still get some of their flaky manju or buttery turnovers to take home.

Another favorite omiyage store is Maui Specialty Chocolates. They have a vast array of chocolate and chocolate-dipped items, but the hands-down favorite is their pillowy soft mochi filled with chocolate truffles, peanut butter and chocolate, or azuki. They regularly sell out, so order at least a day ahead to guarantee you get some.

By this time, you’ll be ready for a plate lunch.

Order ahead at Tin Roof Maui, owned by “Top Chef” contender Sheldon Simeon; they are take-out only and now have an area with benches and tables out front. Their most popular items include the lunch bowls, fat chow fun (which aren’t fatty, but feature extra-wide, extra-thick noodles), and a spicy mochiko chicken sandwich that will require several napkins upon eating.

If you prefer a shady spot to eat, Da Tambayan Corner is a super local food truck park tucked away in Kahului with several vendors serving everything from burgers and shakes to plate lunches to roast duck to desserts.

All this fun in the sun will leave you wanting something cold, so get your favorite flavor of the finest, fluffiest shave ice at Ululani’s, which has three locations on Maui (with a fourth coming to Maui Ocean Center).

Maui Ocean Center is also a great break on the way to West Maui, and I often get a drink with a salad or dessert at their Seascape restaurant while enjoying the Mā’alaea harbor view.

Pro tip: Before you head out to West Maui, check in online with your Hawaiian Airlines app and save some time. Don’t forget to check in your free bag!

If you visit West Maui, stop at the newly opened Kalei’s in Lahaina Cannery Mall. Their classic local fare has made them a popular spot around the island with Maui locals for years, from breakfast to dessert. You may even want to take their chocolate-filled croissants with you on the road. This has also become a place to get omiyage, like their welina (welcome) bags and hats, and jars of Jeff’s Jams & Jellies, which are made on Maui with local tropical fruits. If you’re lucky, they may have some containers of Kalei’s bagel chips.

You can then check out Maui Kuiʻa Estate Chocolate to try a chocolate tasting flight or shop their locally made confections. If you book ahead of time, you can even get a factory tour.

Get a quick bite at Lahaina mainstay Sal e Pepe. The restaurant is extremely busy, even on weeknights, so I recommend getting in right at 5 p.m. when they open. You can watch their staff in the pasta lab if you get a seat on the second floor. Get a pizza and their gnocchi, if you have room.

Another option for a last local meal is at Tiffany’s in Wailuku. This is a former dive bar, also owned by Simeon, and although it still has that nostalgic charm, he added some of his own touches to the menu to expand the available flavors. Free parking is in the adjacent lot (where you can often hear the kitchen staff singing) or across the street.

On your way to the airport, grab a dozen (or two) frozen Stillwell’s Bakery mini cream horns. Be sure to leave some time to pack your cooler or rolling suitcase for check-in.

There’s never enough time to eat everything I want on Maui, which means I need to go back when I can! It’s great to have discounts and a free bag from Huakaʻi by Hawaiian so I can plan my next trip to visit my other local favorites that I couldn’t fit into just one day.

Planning a foodie trip for your next Huakaʻi by Hawaiian getaway? Here are some of my tips to consider before you go:

- Bring an empty rolling carry-on. You can use this to fill with omiyage as well as any leftovers, and check it for free on the way home.
- Alternatively, you may want to bring an empty cooler and buy some ice at a store when you land to keep your purchases and leftovers cool. I brought a small, foldable cooler and emptied the ice before going to the airport. Then I put my items in my rolling carry-on to check in.
- You may want to bring large ziplock bags and/or sealable containers to keep yourself organized as you go through your day, especially if there are leftovers after each meal.
- Many rental car companies offer an option to use an electric vehicle (when available). With this option, you don’t have to worry about filling gas before returning to the airport.

About Huakaʻi by Hawaiian

This program is exclusively for Hawaiʻi residents, created as a heartfelt mahalo to the community that has supported Hawaiian Airlines for almost a century. It’s free to join, and benefits include:

Monthly travel deals
A free checked bag on Neighbor Island flights
Quarterly fare discounts

Food images by Melissa Chang

Destination images by John Hook

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Here’s a look at a delicious day on the Valley Isle that you can try on your own.

By this time, you’ll be ready for a plate lunch.

Pro tip: Before you head out to West Maui, check in online with your Hawaiian Airlines app and save some time. Don’t forget to check in your free bag!

Planning a foodie trip for your next Huakaʻi by Hawaiian getaway? Here are some of my tips to consider before you go:

About Huakaʻi by Hawaiian

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